Today's Verse - James 4:4

Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (NIV)

Don't you know that if you love the world, you are God's enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.(CEV)

Don’t you know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. (GW)

Today's Verse - James 5:20

Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.(NIV)

If you turn sinners from the wrong way, you will save them from death, and many of their sins will be forgiven. (CEV)

You can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (NLT)

Today's Verse - James 2:12-13

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (NIV)

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (NLT)

In every way, then, speak and act as people who will be judged by the law of freedom. There will be no mercy in judgment for anyone who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy overrules judgment. (CEB)

Today's Verse - James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.  (CEV)

Today's Verse - James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (NIV)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (NLT)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). (AB)

Wisdom from God, seek it, pray for it, ask for it.

Today's Verse - Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

Today's Verse - Psalm 82:3-4

Defend the cause of the week and fatherless;
    maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Today's Verse - Psalm 62:5-8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
   my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
   he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
   pour out your hearts to him,
   for God is our refuge.

Today's Verse - Matthew 6:1

Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (NIV)


When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven. (CEV)

Today's Verse - 1 Chronicles 28:9

Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.(NIV)

Know the God of your father [have personal knowledge of Him, be acquainted with, and understand Him; appreciate, heed, and cherish Him] and serve Him with a blameless heart and a willing mind. For the Lord searches all hearts and minds and understands all the wanderings of the thoughts. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him as your first and vital necessity] you will find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever! (AB)

Today's Verse - John 7:38

The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 33:3

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
    but one who hates correction is stupid. (CSB)

Today's Verse - Luke 11:9-10

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)


Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened. (AB)

Today's Verse - John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)


Jesus is the only way to God, to heaven, to joy and to peace. There is no other way period. Believe him, breath him, be consumed by him, give yourself wholly to him for there is no other god worth the time and effort in this world. Peace and joy to followers of the way. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young man keep his way pure?
   By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
   do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
   teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
   I will not neglect your word.

Today's Verse - John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)

Christians as a whole have failed at this spectacularly. We are not know for love, but for hypocrisy, infighting, judgment, hate and many other negative actions. We must LEARN to practice love. Love is hard and takes much work but the end result is so worth it. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 over and over and burn it into your brain. Start practicing it, living it, teaching it and praying for it. We must learn LOVE.

Today's Verse - Mathew 12:34-35

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:37-39

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Today's Verse - Daniel 3:17

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us. (NIV)

Do not worry, have faith, keep moving. God will come and rescue you from the fire.

Today's Verse - Isaiah 57:1-2

The righteous perish,
   and no one ponders it in his heart;
devout men are taken away,
   and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
   to be spared from evil.
Those who walk uprightly
   enter into peace;
   they find rest as they lie in death.

Today's Verse - Philippians 3:10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death (NIV)

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death (NLT)

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] (AB)

Today's Verse - Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep in perfect peace
   him whose mind is steadfast,
   because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)

The LORD gives perfect peace
   to those whose faith is firm.
So always trust the LORD
   because he is forever
   our mighty rock. (CEV)

You will keep in perfect peace
      all who trust in you,
      all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
 Trust in the Lord always,
      for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. (NLT)

Today's Verse - Colossians 1:15-17

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 14:30

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.(NIV)

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. (AB)

Today's Verse - Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (NIV)

Everything God says is true and it's a shield for all who come to him for safety. Don't change what God has said! He will correct you and show that you are a liar. (CEV)


Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Add not to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar. (AB)

Today's Verse - Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV)

The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. (CSB)

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. (NLT)

Those who are careful about what they say protect their lives, but whoever speaks without thinking will be ruined. (NCV)

Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin. (GW)

Today's Verse - John 1:1-4 & 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all.

Today's Verse - Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Share your gift with others and remember how expensive and costly it was, payed for in blood. Though its is freely given and available to all. Remember and thank God.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:10

God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. (NLT)

Everything belongs to God, and all things were created by his power. So God did the right thing when he made Jesus perfect by suffering, as Jesus led many of God's children to be saved and to share in his glory.  (CEV)

It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters whom he’s leading to glory. (CEB)

Pain is an important part of life. Remember the pain and suffering Christ has gone through for our salvation, giving us a perfect Father, removing the fear of death and making himself someone who will know, understand and bring comfort for when we are in pain. Remember His sacrifice, His pain, His love.

Today's Verse - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. (CEV)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)

Today's Verse - Colossians 3:1-2

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.(NIV)

Don't forget what Christmas is about. Merry Christmas.

Today's Verse - Psalm 15

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
   Who may live on your holy hill?
 He whose walk is blameless
   and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
   and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
   and casts no slur on his fellowman,
   who despises a vile man
   but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
   even when it hurts,
   who lends his money without usury
   and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
   He who does these things
   will never be shaken.

Today's Verse - Jude 1:20-21

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (NIV)

Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.(CEV)

Today's Verse - Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (NIV)

Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. (CSB)

If you have lived and been around long enough you have met evil personally, whether it was a person, a place or an object, you felt it and knew. I have felt pure hate from a person and I have walked into places and new something dark was there, even at a church building once, I have met evil and darkness. As a soldier of Christ, empowered by God  and the Holy Spirit, we can not shrink back but must confront the darkness, bringing the light of Christ and Truth to remove the darkness for it cannot stand the light and has already been defeated by Christ's death on the cross. All we have to do is invoke Christ's name and be prepared to stand our ground and not give in till the darkness has been pushed out.

My the light of God flow outward from within and destroy the darkness in our lives. Praise to the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Today's Verse - Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (AB)

Today's Verse - Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (NIV)

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)

When I am tempted I imagine blinding light filling me, consuming me, shining out from me and leaving no darkness within. Temptation can not stand the light and must leave.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 39:17-18

I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

Do not fear.

Today's Verse - Colossians 3:12-17

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

So much easier said then done. Goals to strive for. I pray I get close to this sooner than later.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Keep moving forward, trusting the Father's guidance. Stand in the face of evil and roar back with the strength and honor of Christ for we are victorious! Amen!

Today's Verse - 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(CEV) Dear friends, you must never become tired of doing right.
(NLT) As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
(CSB) Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.


Never give in, never give up, never surrender, to the death. Praises be to God the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 2:14-15

(NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

(NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

People will notice when you live and especially if you work this way. They may not say anything but they will notice and know you are not a normal person. You will be rewarded for such living and working by both man and God in time and the rewards will be worth it when they come.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:37 NIV

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Christ demands we love him more than our parents, brothers and sisters, friends, spouses and even life it self. He must be first. When he is first all of our relationships will benefit and become better from the changes that will occur inside of us as a result of putting Him first. Love the Son above all else.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:23-27

(NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead,  fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

(CEV) Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.

I love Proverbs.

Today's Verse - John 6:68 NIV

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

I'm with Peter on this. The Father has provided for me, guided me through the fires of life I have gone through, opened my eyes to things unseen, disciplined me, given me wonderful gifts, lead me to adventure and success. I owe my life to him and looked forward to the day I die and can be fully one with the Lord.

The words contained in the Bible are a manual to life, a guide to freedom and salvation. Read them, study them and grow in wisdom.

Today's Verse - Psalm 112:4-8 NIV

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
   for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
   who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
   a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
   his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
   in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

 Trust the Father, no matter how dark it becomes he will provide the light and see you through and in the end you will be with him, made perfect. Amen.

Today's Verse - Jonah 2:8

(NIV) Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

(NLT) Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.

(CSB) Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:14-15

(NIV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 

(CEV) We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.

As Christians we should have no fear of dying. Death means we go home, to heaven, back to the Father, away from pain and suffering. I for one welcome death when it comes and will do my best to live my life with out fear.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

(NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(AB) Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
    It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
    It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
    Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Practice makes perfect. Practice love.

Today's Verse - Galatians 6:9

(NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

(CEV) Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

(NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It is easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up when all you get for your good work is negative remarks or even insults, but Christ promised we would receive such things for being his servant. It hurts the most when it comes from "Christians". I have had to deal with what feels like more than my share of this here in the Northwest. The lack spiritualism, Bible knowledge and Christians behavior in the church is astounding at times and I wonder why God sent me to such a dry place. It has forced me to rely on Him more and remind myself not to give up, but to press on and continue to do good, not for the people but out of my love for God the Father.

Today's Verse - Luke 16:13 (NIV)

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”


This scripture does not mean only money, it means anything you rely on other than God. I have tried to server two masters and it does not work well at all. It may seem to for awhile but soon either your relationship with God is taking a beaten and we're not spending the time with God we need or the other master is neglected and starts to act up and puts up a fight, particularly if it is a negative/sinful action, because Satan wants you to stay away from God, to feel helpless, powerless and unworthy. Thirdly we get frozen and sit in the middle spinning our wheels doing nothing and neither growing nor maturing, stuck in an infinite loop that will eventually break taking us with it. 

Focus on God and the light. Draw it in, visualize drawing it in, charging it, growing it bigger, like Goku from DragonBall Z :), building our strength and consuming all darkness in the process. Blessed be the child of light. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 4:12

(NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

(NLT) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

(NCV) Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.

Today's Verse - Romans 2:6-11 (NLT)

He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:22

(NIV) You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(CEV) Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.
(CSB) You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.

Christ never promised following him would be easy and in fact he promised the world would hate us, curse us and be out to destroy us. Which makes perfect sense when you realize Satan is the prince of the world, so he is going to do everything possible to harm, prevent and destroy Christ's influence in this world. Christ will never allow more than we can bare but what we can bare is usually more than we think we can bare so pray, meditate and read your Bible. Christ will comfort and bring peace.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:33

(NIV) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(CSB) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
(CEV) Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.
(AB) Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionship (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.

When spending time with our friends we need to make sure they are not influencing us away from God and into bad situations. We need to be influencing them towards God with our actions and decisions. If they don't have respect for your Christian life are they a real friend? Guard your hearts and minds, draw a line and don't allow your friends to push you across it. If they insist then its time to find some new friends. Be careful and wary of negative, poisonous friends and people.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 2:8-10

(NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


(CEV) You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

(NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Is a Christian who grew up in the church better than the junkie who was saved yesterday? NO. We have all sinned and are the same. God had to send his son to die so we could be saved and have a relationship with him. Your past doesn't matter for when you become a Christian you become a new creation. Holy and washed clean of our sin by blood, blood of the creator's son. All because God desires, wants and seeks a relationship with his creation, which he gave free will to reject him, despise him and say he doesn't exist. Yet he still stands at the door of our heart and knocks saying, "Let me in, I love you."

I pray that God gives us the capacity to love as he does.

Today's Verse - Joel 2:28-31 (CEV)

I will give my Spirit
   to everyone.
   Your sons and daughters
   will prophesy.
   Your old men
   will have dreams,
   and your young men
   will see visions.

In those days I will even give
   my Spirit to my servants,
   both men and women.

I will work wonders
   in the sky above
   and on the earth below.
   There will be blood and fire
   and clouds of smoke.

The sun will turn dark,
   and the moon
   will be as red as blood
   before that great
   and terrible day
   when I appear.

I so very much look forward to this day and going home.

Today's Verse - Galatians 5:22-26

(Amplified Bible)
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

(NIV) the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

(CEV) God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.

Today's Verse - 3 John 1:11

(NIV) Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

(NLT) Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Actions speak louder then words. I enjoy watching people, its my favorite thing to do at the airport while waiting, observing what they do and discerning their true character. If we claim to be Christian and yet our actions, attitudes and deeds don't match up with what is set forth in scripture are we Christian? Bible says nope.
We must do our best to imitate God by following the few commands he has giving us. If we make no effort then how can you claim to be a Christian. Word and deed must be aligned.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 19:20

(NIV) Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

(CSB) Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in later life.

Today's Verse - Galatians 1:10

(NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(CEV) I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(ASV) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

Don't worry so much about what people think about you or their opinion of how you should behave as a Christian as long as you are following God and his commands. Following Christ will make people upset with you even other Christians and trying to please them is just a waste of time and energy. Keep God as our focus and do not worry about offending people. If someone is offended then talk about it and all can grow. Stay focused on Christ.

Today's Verse - Mathew 5:37

(CSB) But let your word 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.
(CEV) When you make a promise, say only "Yes" or "No." Anything else comes from the devil.
(NLT)  Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

This is one of my favorite verses. Simple and to the point. When asked to do something a simple yes or no should be sufficient. I have had people look surprised when they have asked me something and I have just said no, no excuses or explanation, just no. They weren't sure what to do with it. As Christians it should be this simple, we should be people of integrity and honor. When we make a promise or give are word it should be a simple yes or no. Don't make excuses, be honest and truthful. Keep your promises and if you aren't going to then just say no and don't make them in the first place. 

Honor and integrity must practiced and strived for. 

Today's Verse - 1 Samuel 16:7b

(NIV) "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(CSB) Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart."

As Christians we should be striving to know the heart of the person before we make any kind of assumptions about them. I know to many "Christians" that don't practice this, instead they let fear and worldly opinions influence their decisions on how to deal with people and the kind of people that can be at "church". This makes me sick and angry for we are here for the sick, unrighteous and sinful people. We came from them so how can you say they are unfit. We are to be imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1 to bring healing, joy and love to this world.

Man has no right say who can be in God's family.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:18

(NIV) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
(CSB) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
(NKJV) But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The closer we get to God the more his light shines through us and becomes brighter. Till the day we are made perfect let us strive to be pure light.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:1

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

We can drift from God with out even realizing it until one morning we wake up and say, "How the heck did I get here?" Same thing happens in our friendships, marriages and other relationships, all because we stop putting in the time it takes to maintain and keep the relationship healthy. This also applies to God's teachings. If we don't spend time in the Bible reading and studying we drift from his teachings and the simplicity of them. We must be diligent in our time with God and his teachings to prevent drifting and being deceived by teachings of men.

Spend time in the Bible and with God everyday.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 2:23

(NIV) When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

(CEV) Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.

Another amazing example of Christ for us to strive towards. I used to be really good and getting even and making threats and I guess I still have those skills, but I refuse to use them anymore for negative purposes. I learned awhile ago to trust God's judgment and love for me over anything that man says about me. I know God loves me enough that he sent his son to die a horrible death, so that we could become his children.Trust God to turn the insults and suffering into blessings and joy in time.

Be patient and trust God.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 16:9

(NIV) In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

This applies all to well to the way my life has gone. I know where I want to go and I am getting closer, but the journey sure has been interesting, fun, filled with joy and sorrow and difficulty at times, but I would not trade the experience for anything. Adventure for the win!

Set your goals, follow and rely on God and enjoy the adventure of a life time.

Today's Verse - 1 John 4:21b

(NIV) Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
(NKJV) he who loves God must love his brother also.

So simple to say and preach about, but very hard at times to practice. I know it has been very hard at times to love "my brother" when I have been betrayed, stabbed in the face, insulted and cast aside, but I must continue to love them even when I can't stand to be around them. I hurt for them and wish they would open their eyes and see God more clearly. Being human makes this very difficult and nearly impossible at times but I have to trust in the wisdom of the creator and do my best to fulfill his commandments. Prayer helps a lot in pursuing perfect love.
 
Pursue the practice of love.

Today's Verse - 2 Timothy 1:7

(NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(CEV) God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
(CSB) For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power,  love, and sound judgment.

The affect of the Holy Spirit should be constantly moving us toward increased spiritual power and knowledge, increasing or ability to love those who hate, hurt or wronged us, increasing our self-control, knowledge and wisdom and driving out any fear and timidness. This does not happen on its own, only with time and effort do we move in this direction and we should never be content with where we are spiritually and mentally. Constantly seeking God's wisdom and asking for knowledge and praying to be put into situations that will challenge and make us uncomfortable to help us grow will keep us from stagnating and getting comfortable.

Always seek to improve yourself, because there is no such thing as perfection in this life. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 23 (CEV)

You, LORD, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me
   each day of my life, and I will live forever
   in your house, LORD.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:18

(NIV) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(CSB) For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

There is nothing on this planet that Jesus was tempted with or suffered through that is different then what we go through or deal with today. He understands and knows what its like to be human. He was human for some thirty years. He has been to hell and back, literally in my opinion, to sacrifice himself so that we may have freedom. Freedom from fear of death, freedom to come to the Fathers throne, freedom from the flesh, freedom from sin, freedom to love and freedom to live. Our freedom came at the highest price with is death. Talk to Jesus about your temptations, struggles and suffering has they are happening He will come help and comfort you.

 

Share with Jesus and he will share with you.

Today's Verse - John 14:21

(NIV) "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Such a simple statement. Love Jesus and keep his commands and the Father will love us too and Jesus will show himself to us. In my experience truth is often simple and easy to understand and that is one of my favorite things about Christ. His teachings are simple but take a life time to master. The more I have gotten to know Christ the more I am aware of his influence and movement in my daily life, even more so when I look back and see how things worked out for the better. The trick is we have to put time and effort into the relationship and Christ will match and exceed what we put into it thus showing himself to us. The more time spent with him the more times we will see him move and to be thankful for the gifts, protection, guidance and wisdom that comes from knowing and spending time with Christ.

Strive to know Christ, not to know about him.

Funny Bible Story - 2 Kings 2:23-25

This story has a bald guy, annoying youths and bears. Enjoy!

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.

Tune in next Saturday for another fun Bible story.

Today's Verse - Job 41:11

(NIV) "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.", God.

Humans love to think of themselves as equal with God or even a god, but this is stupid and it makes me laugh. We know so little  about our own little planet and even less about the universe. I mean we don't even know how gravity works, or whats on the bottom of the ocean. So when a human, made by God, starts to think they know better than God it makes me laugh and sad at the same time. God created everything  we can see and have yet to discover. He has the RIGHT to do as he pleases, whether he smites us all because we are to stupid to recognize who he is or to send his son to be beaten, murdered and hung on a cross because he desires a relationship with us and wants to be our father.

Know your place at the feet of God.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 10:24

(NIV) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Does this mean you never seek good for yourself? NO, but when you are seeking good for yourself make sure you are thinking of others and how you can benefit them and when there is a conflict the good of others should come first. God wants us to prosper, to better ourselves but not at the cost of another. Anything that damages relationship for the worse should be avoided. As always though God must be at the center and the Holy Spirit will be our guide to the correct path.

Seek wisdom.

Today's Verse - John 3:17

(NIV) God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God did not send his son into this world and to die so that we Christians can go around telling people they better repent or go to hell. We should be practicing love, which if you don't know what love is go read 1 Cor 13:4-7, and building relationships with people we wish to convert. Jesus met people where they were at and went from there. The only people he ever condemned were the religious teachers of the Jews because they had perverted God's law, which means we should be watchful of our Christian leaders to make sure they are preaching and practicing Christ and not perverting it. If our approach does not line up with Christ's and the apostles then maybe we should be taking a hard look at how we are reaching out to people. Church should be a place of welcoming, peace, healing and love, not of fear, politics, and hate.

God's guidance be upon us. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 27:6

(NIV) Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
(CEV) You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.

Getting corrected is never much fun but when it comes from a friend it is worth the pain and tears that can come from. I know I have been better off when I have been corrected or wounded by a trusted friend and as a bonus the friendship is strengthened and brought to a deeper level of trust and understanding.

I have also experienced the kisses or what I prefer kiss ups who never say anything negative or questions your motives and just sit there and watch you run right into a wall. American Idol comes to mind with the bad singers they have and I always wonder what kind of friends a person has that would not tell them they need to learn how to sing, of course there are always the people that don't listen to correction or wisdom from there friends but the Bible has a diffirent word for them, a fool, so the two people who read this, don't be a fool, heed the correction or wounds from a friend for it can be trusted.

May God bless those who read this. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 14:2a

Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD.

The fear used here is not the kind of fear you would have from say seeing a ghost, spider, your worst nightmare, of getting in trouble but one of awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil. If you put those words in place "Whoever lives with integrity has awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil for the LORD." brings more meaning and depth to the spricpture when you understand/know the meaning behind a word that is not normally used in today's language. For more on this check out these two pages here and here

We The People Stimulus Package

The revolution is coming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

Refreshment for the Soul

Music Camp for those that have gone know what refreshing unity, love and peace goes on during its week and for those that haven't been I hope you will come and experience God's presence and power through music. I look forward to it every year and have had the privilege of going since I was fifteen, from camper to staff. I get more out of it now, watching the kids grow and experience the life changing presence of the Almighty Father, then I did as a camper. Come to think of it this blog was started as a result of one of my years at camp.

Anyway back on track. If you have read my previous post you will know that my family and a few others have been dealing with a lot of church crap. It was so refreshing to come and worship and just sing without all this religious bs that is not Christianity. There was no bickering, arguing or playing church. We were all there united through Christ the way the church is supposed to be. We were sharing, crying, comforting, rejoicing, confessing, worshiping all as one. There have been very few churches I have been to where it is safe to do most of those things and it breaks my heart to see what happens when our focus goes from God to I. I was crucified when you were buried with Christ (Gal 2:20). I left all his crap when he died, but now we have Christ living in us to deal with it and clean it out. We just have to remember to keep our eyes on Him for He is the author and perfecter of our faith.(Heb 12:2) All things will healing in time. I guess I had some preaching in me. lol.

Anyway, this year I really got a lot out of it as well as some challenges to grow myself as a man and leader in the church, thank you Mike. As a result I have begun putting together a lesson series on becoming a man under God that has been on my mind for about a year, so pray that God guides me and speaks through me in this endeavor.

It was a great camp this year. God spoke so much through the devos and worship lessons. Thank you Father for putting the people together to make it happen. Praise be to you my King.

Wolves in Sheeps Clothing

Since I have come back to the northwest I have been asking God why he called me back to this place and after seven months I think He has finally revealed His purpose for calling me back. My parents and brother have been in intense spiritual warfare for a long time and it got worse when I arrived in August. I am now convinced I was brought back to bear witness and as support for my family and others involved in this war.

I am experiencing first hand what Paul wrote in Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 and what Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 26:23-26. I find it unbelievable that the elders of this church stand by as evil gains ground and turns this church into a social club with no depth of faith or knowledge, its breaking my heart to see the damage done to my parents, brother and the others involved. It saddens me to see how blind most of the congregation is to what is happening around them.

I know there is great evil here. I have been woken up twice in less than month in the middle of the night by a presence and I know the first time something was in the room I could feel the evil emanating from it and the second time it was not nearly as strong. I have not been scared either times for I know whose I am and rebuked it in the name Jesus Christ. It left and I went to sleep at peace. The fact I have felt this in my home tells me how serious the situation is and how much my parents and brother have been dealing with and assaulted by.

It reached a pinnacle Saturday and my parents, brother and I have done what we could and it is on the shoulders of the elders their decision to either confront this evil or to sweep it under the rug and pretend what has happened hasn't will determine our next move. I pray to God they confront the evil.

I can't explain or tell everything that has happened for I would be here writing for hours and this would turn in to a book. Instead I write to show the challenges that have been set forth and what we have been dealing with.

This is a call to arms for prayer, for the light to shine in the darkness, for the glory of God to reveal and destroy the evil that is rooted in this church, for healing and comfort for us very wounded and weary soldiers. Were it not for the Armor of God and the protection, faith and strength He has provided we would have become casualties of war.

Brothers pray for us.
To God be the glory forever.
Amen.

Direction

I went home to Washington to spend two weeks with my family and really had no intention of coming back to live and work, but I had never ruled it out, it was just not my first choice. God is a funny guy sometimes and knows just what we need and when. He put the people I needed to meet and in situations I needed to be in to make me realize I needed to come back to the Northwest to serve Him. I was filled with such and intense desire to stay that I would not have come back to Arkansas if I didn't have anything. For the first few days after coming to know His will it would nearly bring me to tears thinking about it. I don't know if it was just His presence, the excitement of finally having a direction or what but it was intense, exciting and a bit scary. I also realized, or more like God revealed it, during the second week, which was Music Camp, that my time at Harding and in Arkansas has been my wilderness/coming of age journey that every boy needs to go through on his way to becoming a man. After seven years my journey has finally come to an end and it is time to return home. I left a boy and return a man confirmed by the Most High. Praises be to the LORD my rock.

Idols

I have been reading Sidetracked in the Wilderness by Michel Wells again and I am in the part about idols. I really like his definition of an idol, which is anything we turn to other than God when we feel stressed, rejected, hurt, alone, attacked, etc. He also talks about how God will put oneself in situations were their idols will not work. The funny thing is I am experiencing it first hand as I write this. Some history first. It is pretty well know that I have never had a girlfriend and I have been really frustrated at times over it and it seems every time I'm interested in a girl she does not want that kind of relationship just adds to it. I have noticed in the past but never made the connection till just a few months ago while Sara B was in Greece that when I am feeling lonely or ignored/rejected by girls, especially from on I like, I almost with out fail turn to my idols of masturbation and looking at scantly clad pictures of women, not quite porno but close. I don't always give in to the temptation, but it happens enough. The thing I find annoying and it really gets on my nerves because I know it is Satan hitting me in my weakness is it does not take much for him to get in my ear whispering encouragement to go back to my idols. The triggers are little things like not returning a phone call, email, message or anytime I feel ignored/rejected. Satan is right there whispering go back to your idols they will make you feel good and you know what? They do, but that only lasts a short time and they will never meet this need in me, which only God can fill. God has been leading up to this realization over the past couple of weeks with the conversations I have had, what I have been asking for in prayer and with the book I am reading and I thank God for the sight to see these things in m life so that I can ask Him to change them and meet these needs in me. I also ask for those of you who read this to please pray for me that God will give me the sight to see when I am being tempted and to run to Him. To burn these idols out of my life and to fill this need in me.

Father, through the blood of your Son I come before you asking You to fill this need, teach me to run to You. Burn these idols out of me, Destroy them! Give me sight to see and run to you when tempted. Pour your spirit and strength on me. Meet this need in me. Christ name I pray.

Faith part 2

God spoke to me today through the lesson and several of the songs we sang today. Trust, trust, trust, was what I heard over and over. Trust and faith go hand in hand, trust being the hardest part for me, especially in a storm. Waiting on His timing at this moment in my life is beginning to get very difficult. I want and wish for certain things to happen and He says wait for my timing and then I go arg!!! I want it now(the song) playing in my head. That is where the struggle comes from, its between my selfish/false self and my true self in Christ. So, I walk by faith, not hiding any emotion from my King. Being sure to tell Him when I am frustrated, angry, excited, or whatever I am feeling and it strengthens me, because He sends a word, song, or something else to comfort me or reveal some truth I need to hear. You Gave Me a Promise and Wrapped in Your Arms by Fireflight is pretty much how I am feeling right now.

You Game Me a Promise
The waves are crashing down on me
But I know that this cannot be the end, be the end...
Right now I feel like copping out
Will You hold me up, if I just say
That I will stay

I will hold on to this hope that I have
You gave me a promise
You gave me a promise
I'll push through this moment, I'll never give up
You gave me a promise
You gave me a promise
I'm so tired that I can't stand

But I know that time will heal this heart, heal this heart...

With every door that's slamming shut
A new one's there to lead me where You are

You, You call out to me
You're just out of reach
But I'm closing in
I'm still going, still believing in Your word


Wrapped in Your Arms
Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart
I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when you tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go
I let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms.... I'm home

I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried
All the times I've needed you
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to your every word
Don't ever let me go
Don't let go

Faith

Walking by faith has been the scariest, yet most rewarding thing I have done in my life. It has been extremely stressful at times, making me want to run away from the situation and go the easy road. Taking the right path as opposed to the easy path has become a requirement for me. I'm not sure where I am going with this post, other than to say right now all I have is to walk by faith. I have to trust my King and know that doing His will for me must be my top priority. I don't know where I am going to get a job, nor when or what will happen tomorrow. I must trust my king. I really don't like the unknown, because I like structure and routine and walking by faith is practically the opposite. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or where, because He will provide on His time and I guess that is what I am getting frustrated with. I have been waiting a long time for a specific thing and it is just getting to me right now. I am tired of waiting, DO YOU HEAR ME GOD?!?! I am tired. I need to hear from you.

Done

Well my collage career is just about to come to an end. I have my last final on Monday at 10:30 and then I am done. Its kind of surreal at the moment and is just beginning to sink in. I am done! I am really looking forward to not having school anymore and getting a real job. It is going to be a new and great adventure for this new phase of my life and I am ready for it.

Ripped Pants and Tractor Fun

Saturday, almost the whole house hold went to the lake house to do cleanup. We moved a lot of dead stuff and burnt it all up. I spent most of the time on the Kubota we borrowed and almost got a blister from driving with one hand, good times indeed. Anyway only two exciting things really happened. It also had rained almost the whole previous week so the ground was muddy in some places. The first one happened when I was going to go pull a pile of dirt over what had been a ditch and was not watching close enough and sunk the whole front end up to the frame in mud. I tried to back out but there was not enough wait on the back and I could not lift the front with the bucket so we had to get the Explorer and pull it out. The second one happend while Zach was drive and he was getting a bucket of dirt from the pile, which was getting pretty mud and sticky, as he was going to lift the bucket his left front tire sank and put the tractor on pretty much just that tire. If he would not of had the bucket it would have rolled. I jumped on the back it was just enough weight to get the rear wheels back down and he was then able to back out. It was exciting/scary, but what and adventure. I almost forgot about ripping my pants in all the excitement of writing about the tractor fun. We were loading eighty pound bags of cement into the bucket and I squated to lift one and back of my pants split, lol. Luckly it was after lunch and I had good underwear on. It was quite funny. ~Semper Fi

Fellowship of Men

Tonight group was a little different because three of the for leaders were gone. We sang and talked for a bit, then we broke up into smaller groups. In my group was Jordan, Branson, BK and I. It was like old times when we just had a guys group. We talked about a lot of personal stuff and I shared a lot about my relationship with my King. I can't believe how good it was, God is amazing. I needed that time and fellowship of men. We are probably going to be doing that for the rest of the semester since Ray is going to be gone. I have been missing the closeness and level of intimacy we had tonight. I have been craving it and trying to start a guys group has been on my mind again. I need to work on the M.U.G creed and get a finale draft to share with the guys. Maybe it will be the begining of a new adventure.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ~Proverbs 27:17

So true, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to be the company of growing men in pursuit of the King. I am filled, recharged and ready for battle. Brothers prusue, seek out and fight for this intamacy with other men. Together we stand and are strong. Praise the KING!

About time for an update

I have been really busy with school and work, so I haven't taken the time to write in awhile. Last Thursday we had a huge storm come through with tons of rain, lightning and even the tornado sirens went off. Didn't have any tornadoes touch down and the closest one was in Little Rock. It caused some damage but not very bad. This whole past week we have had a ton of rain and several parts of the state are flooded. The road to George Town is flooded, so we can't go there. Hopefully we will be able to when Luke and Emily come down on the 19th. I am really looking forward to seeing him again. Yesterday, Erin and I went over to the Jackson's to help with the birthday party they were having, it was quite the affair. They had two big blow up play things, a petting zoo, football toss, duck bob, face painting, Erin was doing this, and pony rides, which I was doing. Heart did good for the most part, until right near the end when he started making angry faces and he even kicked once. I would walk two thirds of the way and then have him trot the last stretch, which everyone really enjoyed. I had a couple of girls comeback and ride quite a few more times. The boys didn't seem to interested in the rides and I only had a couple of them come for rides. It was a neat party with a ton of kids and I had a good time giving rides. When it was time for cake I put Heart up and about that time the other horses had come down for dinner, so I fed them and then I got the currie comb brushed on Jake, Pedro and Squirt for the next hour or so, probably was not that long but it felt like it. I have a test on Monday and Tuesday which have been studying for all weekend and I should do really well on them. Not much else going on for the time being and I am going to try and write more often. Take care.~Semper Fi

Horses Good for the Soul

Went out to the Jacksons today just to get away from the house and have some peace and quiet. It was just me, the horses and God. It was so quiet, peaceful and beautifully with some snow left over from yesterday. I really needed the alone time to think and be in nature. Just to rest in the beauty of my King. I am much better and ready to start school and work again. Nothing beats resting in the arms of the Creator. ~Semper Fi

Crazy Arkansas Weather

It is snowing in March in Arkansas?!?!?!?!?! The weather has been crazy over the past four days. Saturday it was 75, Sunny and beautiful. Sunday it started getting cloudy and a nice cold wind was kicking up. Monday it rained all day dropping about two inches. Today, Tuesday, it snowed?!?!?!

I took pictures of the snow and they are under the Montgomery album. I really enjoyed the thunderstorm yesterday and today it is beautiful outside. Thank you my King for the gifts.

Weekend Hikiing

Erin, Zach, Bethany and I went hiking at Petit Jean. It was beautiful out, almost to warm for pants. First we stopped at the top to eat lunch and look at the surrounding area. Then Zach and I, mostly me climbed around on the rocks before heading to the hiking trials. We hiked down to the waterfall and I got some neat pictures. Then we took the Canyon trail which wasn't all that interesting, though it did follow the creek almost the entire time. On our way out it was a work out. I'm used to going downhill on the way back, but here it was uphill the whole way back. ugh. My legs got tired and almost jello like. When we got back to the top we took the Bear cave trail, so we could go see the bear cave. The trail was alright, but the bear cave was just a whole in the side of the rock that was probably once a bear cave, really not impressive at all. I was bummed when I say what it was. I did take some pictures of it. Then we hiked back to the car and headed home, stopping at Sonic to get some drinks. On the way back the girls counted how many dead skunks they saw and it totaled about 25 or so. There were so many it was ridiculous. It was a really good, tiring trip we all thoroughly enjoyed. I'll have the new pictures posted in the petit jean ablum. That's all I feel like writing for now. ~Semper Fi

Pursued by the King

I find it amazing how God moves through things and uses them to draw me closer. I just got two albums by Jeremy Camp, Stay and Carried Me The Worship Project. Originally I was just going to get a song from each album, but I listened to a few on each cd and decided I had to buy the whole albums. Since then God has been speaking to me through several of the songs. I realized today the shuffle kept playing a couple of the songs over and over and mind you it was out of twenty seven songs. The words were things I needed to hear and it was God saying this is the path you must walk. My king has healed more wounds and filled needs I didn't know I still had. I have learned a lot about grace and how to apply it in my relationships. One gets an idea of what God must go though when we hurt/disappoint him, when a loved one does it to you. I now its only through grace, prayer and waiting on Lord that what has happened to me as only drawn me closer to my King. I have learned so much more about myself and I know I can endure much more as long as I cling to my King. I found I have much more grace and forgiveness then I thought I did.

These are the songs that I found especially directed towards me. You can click on the songs to see the lyrics.
Enough
I Wait For The Lord
Empty Me
I Surrender to You
Walk By Faith

I still find it hard to believe how perfect those two albums are and I know it was not coincidence I bought them when I did. My King is an amazing and wonderful friend. He knows just what to say and how to say it. He speaks to my heart like no one else. The journey I have been on over the last couple of weeks has been hard at times, but what I have gotten out of it has been more then worth the pain and tears. Praise to my King! I love you. ~Semper Fi

Relationships

Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12

That pretty much sums up this week. I have been dealing with a lot of varied and different emotions this week and it has been very challenging. I am not going to give details because pretty much all of it has to do with relationships and they are private matters, but I am going to share what I have learned/learning this week. I had a come to Jesus meeting yesterday in the woods and spent a couple of hours talking and listening to him on how to handle what is going on. He gave me the following passages by flipping the pages of my bible with the wind.

Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. ~Psalm 102:1-2

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. ~Psalm 107. This part was repeated over and over through the whole psalm.

And the strangest one came out of Song of Songs 3:5b: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

It was what I needed to hear and it helped me focus and a get handle on what to do.

Here is what I know when dealing with relationships. God must be first and must be consulted in all matters, especially when it involves matters of the heart. Communication is a must and has to be open and honest. Failing to communicate and/or not listening will only cause harm to those involved. Do not force things or rush them, wait on the LORD's timing. Be patient. When you get hurt be a man and step up. NO running away. Running only makes things worse. I really did not want to deal with what is going on. It would be so much easier to write them off or run away then to step up and deal with it. Only through the grace of my king has it been handled in the way it has. That is all I have at the moment, if I think of anything else I will add to it. God be honored above all. ~Semper Fi

Weekend Details. Only a week later :P

Ok, so I finally got around to writing about the amazing weekend I had. Friday night Sarah got in after dinner. We had a loud welcoming with hugs and laughter. After a bit we all, Sarah, Erin, Zach, Bethany and BK, watched Mr Deeds. I had forgotten how funny that movie is and both Zach and I had some really good belly laughs. The girls laughed a lot to but mostly were like, why are we watching this?!? It was much fun.

Saturday morning Zach and I made breakfast. I made banana, cranberry and plain pancakes and Zach cooked some eggs. It was an enjoyable time of just visiting and sharing stories. About lunch time Sarah, Erin and I headed to the Alltel Arena in Little Rock to see the Lippizaner Stallions. I knew we had pretty good seats but when we got there we didn't see our row because they were all numbers and we were in row b, so we walked all the way down and asked the lady to help us. She looked at our ticket and said, "oh, your down on the floor." I was thinking to myself, "what?!?!" We ended up being about ten feet from the show floor. It was amazing, the horses were so beautiful. The show was great and really enjoyable. The only thing that sucked was our camera died just before intermission, crappy old rechargeable batteries. I figured, I would go out and get my camera, don't ask why I left it in the car. So I get to the door and it says no reentry, so I asked a ticket lady if I could still comeback in and she said, "if I want to by another ticket". I was annoyed to say the least and there was noway I was buying another ticket, stupid greedy people. The rest of the show was really neat and I did get some cool pictures that I will get posted soon. That night after dinner we played a couple of games. The first was paper telephone and oh man did we have some fun and major laughing, it makes me crack up just thinking about. Then we played dominoes till Alycia arrived around 11pm. We played dominoes to long, but we had fun and some funny things happened.

Sunday was SUPER BOWL Sunday!!! We, Alycia, Erin, Sarah, Zach and I, went to church in the morning and then came home and ate lunch and waited for the Super Bowl party to begin. A bunch of people showed up and they all crowded in the den with the big screen. I watched about the first quarter in the den and then ditched them to watch it in the living room with Sarah and Alycia. Much better company and we all sat on the same couch. The game was not all that exciting till the fourth quarter and then OMG!!! it turned into the best game I have seen in a long time. I was yelling and on edge and getting stressed out, because I wanted the Giants to win. Oh man it was great, couldn't have asked for a better game. We didn't do much else after the game and then I said goodbye to Sarah and Alycia because I had to go to class at 7:30am and they were not going to be up. All in all it was a great weekend.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy being around Sarah and Alycia. They are wonderful women of God. One thing I really enjoy when they are around is that they will pick on me and poke fun about me, very few girls I know do that, so that makes them extra special to me. It was so good to see them. Old friends are the best, you can just pick up where you left off and it doesn't seem as if time has passed at all. Thank you my king for such relationships. ~Semper Fi

Great weekend

This weekend is going to be so fun. First Sarah, Alycia and Amy are coming in to town. Second Sarah, Erin and I are going to see the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions on Saturday!!!! Third is Super Bowl Sunday! Going to be lots of fun and restful at the same time. I will post more details when I have them. Not much else happened in the last couple of weeks since my last post. It snowed on Thursday, but it didn't stick. :( Nice while it lasted though. Have two tests coming up next week and the week after. Last weekend, Zach, Matt and I went an saw Rambo. It was a good action movie and ended the Rambo series perfectly. I also went riding two weekends ago, about froze to death on the way back. I am also trying to begin running regularly, but I gotta get some better shoes or I am going to kill my knees. I got a playable version of tic tac toe up and ready for download at www.rabiddesignstudios.com Go check it out. I am done for now. ~Semper Fi

Made it through the first week.

I just finished my first week of school and work. Getting up at 6am everyday wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, made the week longer but oh well. My last two classes are going to be fun, especially discrete math. The teacher is funny in a nerdy/geeky way. Sara B left for Greece on Tuesday and made it there safe and sound. I miss her. I am not sure how bible study at the house is going to go or if I am even going to go here this semester. My king will give me direction though, which I trust. Not much else is going on. Work has been busy and pretty much the same. I have been programming a lot again. Been working on tic tac toe and should have a playable version soon and available for download from www.rabiddesignstudios.com Anyway, I am getting hungry for breakfast, so till next time. ~Semper Fi

Living Well

I just got back from Christmas break at my parent's house. It was a good time and relaxing for me. I got to just hang out at the house and play video games mostly. I also moved wood and trimmed our horses hooves and I got to learn how to install a wood floor, which was a good time working with my dad. I did go see a couple of movies, I am Legend and AVP R, both were good. My dad, brother and I watched the whole Band of Brothers series together, which is a must see. It was really good to see the parents and grandparents and especially my brother. Finally got to see our dogs, Chester and Tessa or how my dad refers to them as Stinky and Dinky or Mut and Jeff. Any i am keeping this short on purpose and I plan to write more often in the coming weeks. ~Semper Fi